Giants set starters for Friday's Cactus League opener against Brewers

By Kerry Crowley, Bay Area News Group

Thursday, February 22, 2018

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–Only two Giants’ regulars will play in the team’s Cactus League opener against Milwaukee on Friday, and just one starter will travel to Glendale, Arizona on Saturday when San Francisco squares off against Los Angeles.

Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy revealed more plans for the team’s opening weekend of spring training play, and said Hunter Pence and Andrew McCutchen will be in the lineup against the Brewers on Friday. Pence and McCutchen have a combined 20 seasons of Major League experience, but they’ll roam the outfield with prospect Steven Duggar –who has yet to make his MLB debut– playing in center.

After working at first base during infield drills this week, Pablo Sandoval will start at third base. Bochy said utility player Kelby Tomlinson will play shortstop, Miguel Gomez will play second base and Ryder Jones will start at first. Gomez and Jones were both added to the Giants’ 40-man roster last season.

With Buster Posey expected to sit the “first few” games of Cactus League play, veteran Nick Hundley will do the catching. On Wednesday, Bochy revealed that Ty Blach will start on the mound for the Giants. Blach won’t be in the lineup, though, as Jarrett Parker will serve as the designated hitter.

Chris Stratton will start on Saturday at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers, and Brandon Belt is the only regular position player expected to be in the lineup for that game. Tyler Herb, Jose Valdez, Steven Okert, Roberto Gomez and Reyes Moronta will also pitch against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Bochy said the club is planning for Madison Bumgarner to throw on Sunday at Scottsdale Stadium against the Cubs, but outside of having non-roster invitee Dereck Rodriguez pitch in relief, he’s unsure who else will follow the Giants’ ace.

The Giants wanted Bumgarner to pitch on Sunday because it will line him up to start on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium against Clayton Kershaw.